Fridley Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Retail Store

MINNEAPOLIS — Earlier today in federal court, a 45’year’old Fridley man pleaded guilty to robbing a Discount Tobacco and Groceries retail store at 315 Osborne Road, N.E., in Fridley. Steven Eugene Daniels pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery pursuant to the Hobbs Act. Daniels, who was indicted on September 11, 2012, entered his plea before United States District Judge Joan N. Ericksen.

In his plea agreement, Daniels admitted that on June 14, 2012, he and another man, who was carrying a firearm, entered the Discount Tobacco and Groceries store in Fridley. Both men then forced the store clerk to open the cash register. Daniels took the money from the cash register and both robbers fled the store. Daniels was later apprehended.

For his crime, Daniels faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, as well as possible fines and forfeitures. Judge Ericksen will determine his sentence at a future hearing, yet to be scheduled.

The Hobbs Act, passed by Congress in 1946, provides federal jurisdiction for cases involving violent, habitual criminals who commit armed robbery in businesses involved in interstate commerce. Federal prosecution of these offenders is sometimes beneficial since the penalties may be tougher than under state law. To that end, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its County Attorney partners are working together to ensure that violent offenders are effectively prosecuted, making our communities safer for all.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Anoka County Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard A. Newberry.

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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives United States Department of Justice